Birmingham Urban Ecohydrological Observatory earns UNESCO recognition

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) has designated Birmingham’s Upper Tame catchment as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Site.

Dr James White demonstrating citizen science methods to volunteers in the Birmingham River Champions project

Dr James White demonstrating citizen science methods to volunteers in the Birmingham River Champions project

We are delighted to receive this recognition, further exemplifying our commitment to accelerate the implementation of water-related Sustainable Development Goals.

David Hannah, Professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences

This milestone, spearheaded by freshwater scientists from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), and the Birmingham Water Centre (BWC), highlights the university's commitment to addressing critical water-related challenges. The project, titled “Birmingham Urban Ecohydrological Observatory,” joins a global network of demonstration sites that showcase best practices in tackling catchment-scale societal and environmental issues. 

As the first Ecohydrology Demonstration Site in England, this designation reflects the university’s pioneering research in the Upper Tame catchment, an area under significant pressure from urbanisation. 

Our collaborative efforts have established globally unique facilities and datasets in the Upper Tame catchment, providing invaluable resources for research and driving innovative freshwater science

Dr Liam Kelleher of BWC

The Birmingham River Champions citizen science project measuring different river health elements was crucial for the proposal, aligning with one of IHP’s core focuses. Also central to this recognition was the university’s lead role in the NERC-funded “SMARTWATER” project, which aims to diagnose pollution ‘hotspots’ (sources) and ‘hot moments’ (events). 

Someone deploying water sensor in a river

Dr Kieran Khamis deploying a SMARTWATER monitoring station undertaking high-frequency measurements of different pollutant

Understanding when and where pollution ‘cocktails’ occur is crucial for improving degraded waterways. We are thrilled that UNESCO has acknowledged our ground-breaking contributions to urban hydrology and water pollution solutions.

Professor Stefan Krause

Academics from various colleges within the University of Birmingham continue to integrate their expertise to develop evidence-based solutions for the Upper Tame catchment. Their shared vision aims to address fundamental challenges in the freshwater domain, further solidifying the university’s position as a leader in hydrological research and sustainability.